Level 2 Award in Youth Work Principles
Develop your practice. Build your confidence. Make a lasting difference.
Youth work changes lives.
At its heart, youth work is about building trusted relationships that help young people grow in confidence, discover who they are and realise their potential. Through informal education, youth workers create opportunities for young people to learn, develop new skills, have their voices heard and play an active role in their communities.
The NOCN Level 2 Award in Youth Work Principles is a nationally recognised qualification for people who are already working or volunteering with young people. Designed around real youth work practice, the programme combines practical learning, shared experiences and reflective discussion to help you develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to strengthen your own practice
Why choose the Youth Work Academy?
We believe great youth workers never stop learning.
At the Youth Work Academy, learning is built around real practice, not just theory. You’ll learn alongside others who are also working and volunteering with young people, sharing experiences, reflecting on your practice and exploring new ideas together.
Our tutors continue to deliver youth work every week, bringing current practice, real-life examples and an understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing young people today.
Whether you’re supporting young people through a voluntary role, community organisation or youth project, this programme will help you develop greater confidence in your knowledge and practice.
Who is this qualification for?
This programme is suitable for people who are already working or volunteering with young people and want to strengthen their knowledge and practice.
It may be particularly relevant for:
- Volunteers in youth and community organisations
- Youth support workers
- School pastoral staff, learning mentors and teaching assistants
- Community and faith-based youth volunteers
- People beginning a role working with young people
- Students completing youth work or related placements while actively working with young people.
What you’ll learn
The qualification is made up of four nationally recognised units designed to give you a strong foundation in youth work.
Theory of Youth Work
Explore the purpose, principles and values of youth work, the role of the youth worker and how informal education supports young people’s personal and social development.
Young People’s Development
Develop your understanding of how young people grow and develop, the factors that influence their experiences and how positive relationships support learning and wellbeing.
Safeguarding in a Youth Work Setting
Develop the knowledge and confidence to recognise safeguarding responsibilities, respond appropriately to concerns and help create safe, inclusive environments where young people can thrive.
Engaging and Communicating with Young People
Build practical communication skills and explore ways of engaging young people that encourage participation, confidence and personal growth.
Learn youth work by doing youth work
The best way to learn youth work is by doing youth work.
Youth work is built through experience, relationships and reflection. Throughout the programme, you’ll connect theory with your own practice, applying what you learn in real-life settings and bringing your experiences back to the group.
Whether you’re volunteering, working in a youth or community organisation, or completing a youth work placement, you’ll be encouraged to reflect on your experiences, share ideas with others and continually develop your practice.
Learning alongside others creates opportunities to explore different perspectives, discuss real-life challenges and build confidence together in a supportive professional learning community.
How you’ll learn
The programme combines a range of learning experiences designed to fit around work and volunteering.
You’ll take part in:
- Face-to-face Saturday workshops
- Live online evening sessions
- Guided independent learning
- Practical activities linked to your own setting
- Reflection on your youth work practice
- Ongoing tutor guidance and feedback
You’ll gradually build your portfolio of evidence throughout the programme rather than relying on a final assessment.
Learning with Brighter Futures Together
The Youth Work Academy is part of Brighter Futures Together, an organisation delivering youth work every week across Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.
Our tutors remain connected to practice, bringing current experience, real-life examples and an understanding of the realities of working with young people today. You’ll become part of a supportive learning community where ideas are shared, questions are welcomed and professional confidence grows over time.
Where could this qualification take you?
For many learners, this is the beginning of continued professional development in youth work.
After completing the programme, you may choose to:
- Continue or expand your youth work or volunteering role
- Take on greater responsibility within your organisation
- Progress to higher-level youth work qualifications
- Develop transferable skills for education, community and family support roles
- Continue learning through future Youth Work Academy programmes
Interested? Join a Free Online Information Session
Thinking about completing the Level 2 Award but have a few questions first?
Our free online information sessions are a relaxed opportunity to find out more about the qualification before deciding whether it’s right for you.
During the session we’ll cover:
- What you’ll learn
- How the programme is delivered
- Time commitment and assessment
- Funding opportunities
- The application process
- Live questions and answers
Upcoming Information Sessions
📅 Wednesday 26 August 2026
🕧 12.30pm – 1.15pm
Online
or
📅 Monday 7 September 2026
🕡 6.30pm – 7.15pm
Online